NJDOE launches new website, offers workshops on core standards

Published on Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The N.J. Department of Education (DOE) has launched a new website -- http://njcccs.org -- to assist with the implementation of the newly revised Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS).

Tools on the interactive site will assist districts with curriculum development and mapping, instruction, assessment, and professional development. It provides valuable information for educators and education stakeholders about the 2009 revised preschool through grade 12 content standards for: visual and performing arts; comprehensive health and physical education; science; social studies; world languages; technology; and 21st century life and careers.

Document management tools that enable users to view, print or download on demand the standards and a host of accompanying support materials. Support materials include classroom application documents (CADs) and unit plan models.

An interactive professional development platform that offers the use of Web 2.0 tools to support ongoing professional dialogue. Site enhancement plans include enabling teachers to post lessons, activities and resources.

Free professional development sessions that focus on how to use the DOE site and the wealth of materials to support instruction embedded in each content area are being offered throughout the winter and spring. Additional information about the Module A sessions can be accessed at www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/21cnjs/phase2/pd/.

Draft standards for mathematics and language arts literacy created by the Common Core Standards Project -- an initiative of the National Governors Association, the Council for Chief State School Officers and other organizations -- are available at www.corestandards.org/. Pending adoption by the State Board of Education, resources to support the two standards will be developed and posted on http://njcccs.org.